Getting Patients to Floss

August 12, 2015

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, more than one-quarter of 2021 surveyed Americans lie to their dentist about flossing.1 More than a third said they would rather do an unpleasant chore, like cleaning the toilet, than floss every day. How do you fight those odds and get your patients to floss?

Although there hasn’t been much research in the area, there are studies to show that some interventions may work. It seems motivation to start flossing just isn’t enough for patients to make it part of their routine.2 Getting patients to specify a time they will floss, may be one key to getting them on board. Asking the patient to describe when, where and how he or she will floss also appears to increase the likelihood of flossing on a regular basis.3,4 One study found that encouraging the patient to floss after brushing increased the likelihood that they will actually floss.5 Talking to your patient about other times he or she has managed to kick an unhealthy habit or adopt a healthy one is another strategy to help set them up for success.6

According to the AAP survey, you’re facing an uphill battle getting your patients to floss. Engaging them in creating their own, concrete strategy about their own flossing habits may improve the odds that they succeed in making flossing part of their regular routine.

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